It is spring break so most of my neighbors are in
exotic locations: Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee or Illinois. I have been
here finishing a project and by default, became responsible for pet sitting. I
rather enjoy it really. There is no glamour in it, though. Yesterday, I put my
hand through the hole in order to feed the rodents. One of them darted for the
opening and startled me half to death. I spilled their food and made it out
alive. The rodent did not escape. Mission accomplished.
I’m willing to provide for these various animals
because I realize the value of doing small gestures of love for my neighbors. I
show up because I can do the job and I am willing to do it.
There are times when I have to say “no” to requests.
I may be able to do the job, however it may not be mine to do. There may be other,
more glamorous jobs, that I have to decline. Recently, I’ve been talking to God
a lot about this. In many decisions, big and small, I am learning how to be a
good steward of my time and of my influence. It is no mystery why Jesus gives
us that teaching about allowing our “yes” to be “yes” and our “no” to be “no” (Matthew 5:37).
Perhaps, left to our own devices, we would never
face this perennial challenge of our own dominion. It is at the basic level of
what it means to be human. Male and female were made in the image of God. We
are told that we have a say. We have dominion. We are in charge of stuff. We
have a realm of influence. Furthermore, when we acknowledge this and realize that
we need help, God is more than happy to give us his presence and power (Philippians 4:13).
Strength does not come from one’s body necessarily, but from God. Indeed, when ordinary men
and women embody the power and presence of God in their everyday experiences,
the extraordinary happens.
A few days ago, I had a unique opportunity to
worship at a historic black church in my area. “This little light of mine, I’m
gonna let it shine…hide it under a bush, oh, no, I’m gonna let it shine, let it
shine let it shine.” The words of the song were sung by young and old, black
and white, male and female. There is real power in seeing our own power. In
terms of social power, the little three year old girl sitting in front of me
had very little, yet, when she needed to go to the restroom, she used the power
of her voice to communicate her need. She has a voice and she has the ability
to shine.
This journey with God has showed me how much
influence I have. I am challenged every day to partner with God and become a
better steward of my influence. This very popular phrase “man-up” is one that I am re-considering. Men and women alike need God's power to use influence in a way that is good. Now, I am giving all those around me the charge to recognize how much influence you really have. God has given us a powerful imperative. It is a
recommendation or maybe even a command given to all of my friends who may feel
like they have very little spheres of influence. It is tempting to buy that lie. However, you must resist it as being just that. You have great
power and great influence. Now, it is your time, my sisters, to “woman-up” and claim your
place in your everyday life. You have the ability to shine.
